In a significant development aimed at modernising the donation process for the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, a new digital hundi system to be known as ‘Samarpana’ will be introduced across multiple bank branches nationwide.
Following directions from Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the Law Department is reportedly involved in establishing this system, which has received enthusiastic support from members of the temple’s managing committee.
Digital initiative
This initiative, named ‘Samarpan’, intends to streamline and simplify the online donation process, allowing devotees to contribute to the temple from anywhere. Under this programme, separate digital hundis will be set up both in-state and out-of-state banks, enabling online donations through Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Convenience for devotees
Discussions have reportedly commenced with the Chief Managing Directors (CMDs) of various banks to launch digital hundis, which will allow devotees to scan UPI codes and make their offerings directly to the Jagannath Temple’s account. This digital approach aims to boost transparency and provide a convenient means for devotees, whether within or outside the state, to make donations during religious ceremonies and festivals.
“We have a long-term plan to set up digital hundis in all the branches of the banks across India. The devotees who want to offer donations to Lord Jagannath on various occasions can do it through digital currency. We have discussed it with the CMDs of different banks. We are going to start the process in this regard very soon,” said Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
Safety concerns raised
On the other hand, some former bankers have voiced concerns about potential cyber scams employing fake scanning devices, prompting calls for the government to exercise caution.
“The initiative will help devotees from outside the state and the country to offer their donations to Lord Jagannath through the digital initiative in a great way. However, some security measures must be taken in the QR code. The Law Department, in coordination with the IT Department, is considering various safety measures to prevent such fraudulent activities,” said Damodara Nanda, a former banker.
Despite these apprehensions, the temple management committee is optimistic about this step, hoping that it will lead to a rise in online donations.
“The digital donation practice has been followed a little bit earlier. Now, it will be widely accepted, which is a welcome step,” said Madhaba Mohapatra, former member of the Srimandir management committee.
In the past three years, the temple received approximately Rs 113 crore in donations, with Rs 59.67 crore gathered through bank deposits. It is expected that the digital hundi system will significantly increase online contributions.